Steam Trains in Wales

Narrow and Standard Gauge Railways including Snowdon Mountain

Aug 16, 2007

Steam trains and Wales go together like strawberries and cream. All over Wales the romance of steam travel is near at hand

Wales is famous for narrow gauge railways with lines used for slate quarrying now carrying tourists. Nine independent railways have got together to promote themselves under the title Great Little Trains of Wales. The railways featured here are not part of that association - but are still worth a visit.

Corris Railway

Wales's newest narrow gauge service started operating in 2002. Trains run on weekends and bank holidays between April and September, with limited weekday services in some school holidays. Trains run from Corris to Maespoeth, where passengers are given a guided tour of the sheds. The round trip takes 50 minutes and only round trip tickets from Corris can be bought.

The railway 5 miles north of Machynlleth, on the A 487 to Dolgellau and is well signposted.

Fairbourne and Barmouth Railway

This 12¼ inch gauge railway runs from Fairbourne village , just over 2 miles, to Penrhyn Point on the Barmouth Estuary. The estuary can be crossed by a passenger ferry to and from Barmouth. The railway owns the Rowen Nature Centre, adjoining Fairbourne station, which houses fish, lobsters, terrapins, lizards, owls, ferrets and chipmunks. Part of the centre is being converted to display a model railway.

Trains run most days between April and October, please contact the railway to confirm details.

Fairbourne is midway between Tywyn and Dolgellau on the A493. Cambrian Coast trains between Pwllheli and Aberystwyth and Arriva Cymru's number 28 bus from Aberystwyth to Dolgellau serve the village.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Be on top of the world, or at least the highest point in England and Wales, with a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The journey from Llanberis to the summit takes just over an hour and provides unrivalled views of Snowdon and the surrounding National Park. The train is wheelchair accessible, but please note there are no disabled facilities at the summit.

The station at Llanberis is within easy reach of the village centre and trains run every day between late March and early November, subject to demand and weather conditions. Advanced booking is advised during school holidays.

Teifi Valley Railway

A 40 minute round trip on this 2 foot gauge railway from Llandysul, travels offers views of the wooded Teifi Valley. Trains run most days between April and October, though some days are only diesel hauled. Please confirm details with the railway.

Llandysul is 4 miles away from Newcastle Emlyn on the B4334 and is well signposted.

Barry Island Railway

10 miles to the west of Cardiff, the line runs for two miles on two individual branches, one to the low level Waterfront station and one to Woodham Halt on the higher level. Trains run hourly on alternate branches, with steam hauled services on Saturdays and heritage diesels on Sundays. The service runs every weekend between mid June and early September, with special events outside this period. Please contact the railway for more details.

The railway is next to Barry Island mainline station, which has a regular service from Cardiff Central.

Gwili Railway

Part of the old GWR Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line has been re-opened by the Gwili Railway. From the Bronwydd Arms terminus, 3 miles from Carmarthen enjoy an hour round trip to Dan y Coed halt along the wooded banks of River Gwili. Trains run between April and October, with Santa Specials in December. Operating days vary according to season, please contact the railway for more information.

Bronwydd Arms station is 3 miles north of Carmarthen , just off the A484. First Cymru services 460 and 461 run hourly between Carmarthen and Cardigan , passing through Bronwydd.

Llangollen Railway

A 7 ½ miles journey along the banks of the River Dee along the old Ruabon to Barmouth main line between Llangollen and Carrog, through the beautiful scenery of north east Wales.

Trains run on most weekends throughout the year, and on weekdays between June and October. Contact the railway for more details.

Llangollen is easily reached by road via the A5 and the station is in easy walking distance of town centre car parks. Traws Cambria bus service X94 runs through Llangollen every two hours en route between Wrexham and Barmouth, and provides links to Network Rail services at Wrexham and Ruabon.

Preserved Railways

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